Behringer SNR2000 User Manual
Users Manual
Version 2.3 June 2002
ENGLISH
SNR2000
®
DENOISER
www.behringer.com
DENOISER SNR2000
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove
the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside;
refer servicing to qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure
voltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain Instructions:
The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings:
All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow instructions:
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture:
The appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).
Ventilation:
The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilaton. For
example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings: or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Power Source:
The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the appliance.
Cleaning:
The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-use Periods:
The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Object and Liquid Entry:
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
Damage Requiring Service:
The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
- the power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
- objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
- the appliance has been exposed to rain; or
- the appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
- the appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing:
The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that which is described in the Operating Instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Read the
manual.
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DENOISER SNR2000
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Welcome to the team of DENOISER users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in
BEHRINGER products by purchasing the SNR2000.
It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of
hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach a very ambitious goal: making an outstanding device
that will become a standard tool used by studios and P.A. companies. The task to design the DENOISER
certainly meant a great deal of responsibility, which we assumed by focusing on you, the discerning user and
musician. It also meant a lot of work and night shifts to accomplish this goal. But it was fun, too. Developing a
product usually brings a lot of people together, and what a great feeling it is when everybody who participated
in such a project can be proud of what weve achieved.
It is our philosophy to share our joy with you, because you are the most important member of the BEHRINGER
family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products youve greatly contributed to shaping our
company and making it successful. In return, we guarantee you uncompromising quality (manufactured
under ISO9000 certified management system) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an
extremely affordable price. All of this will enable you to fully unfold your creativity without being hampered by
budget constraints.
We are often asked how we are able to produce such high-grade devices at such unbelievably low prices. The
answer is quite simple: its you, our customers! Many satisfied customers mean large sales volumes enabling
us to get better conditions of purchase for components, etc. Isnt it only fair to pass this benefit back to you?
Because we know that your success is our success too!
I would like to thank all people whose help on Project DENOISER has made it all possible. Everybody has
made very personal contributions, starting from the designers of the unit via the many staff members in our
company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.
My friends, its been worth the trouble!
Thank you very much,
Uli Behringer
3
DENOISER SNR2000
®
DENOISER
Professional and all-purpose single-ended noise reduction system
SNR2000
s TAC (Transient Attack Control) dynamic filters respond accurately to signals with fast attacks
s Auto-filter circuitry for automatic sliding filters
s IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) downward expander for inaudible noise reduction during signal pauses
s Accurate gain reduction and cut-off frequency meters
s Dual mono or true stereo couple function
s Servo-balanced inputs and outputs on XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors
s Relay-controlled hard bypass with auto-bypass function during power failure (failsafe relay)
s Cut-in delay to avoid switch-on thumps
s Ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers offer outstanding sound performance
s High-quality detented potentiometers and Illuminated switches
s High-performance output transformer BEHRINGER OT-1 retrofitable
s Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system
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DENOISER SNR2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 The design concept ......................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Before you begin ............................................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Control elements............................................................................................................................. 7
1.3.1 Front panel ........................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.2 Rear panel ............................................................................................................................ 8
2. OPERATION ............................................................................................................................9
2.1 Operation of the filter section........................................................................................................... 9
2.1.1 The masking effect ................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.2 The dynamic low-pass filter ................................................................................................... 9
2.2 The TAC filter of the DENOISER .................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 SENSITIVITY control ............................................................................................................11
2.2.2 CUT OFF control .................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.3 RELEASE control ................................................................................................................11
2.2.4 AUTO switch....................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.5 FREQUENCY meter ........................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Operation of the expander section ................................................................................................. 12
2.4 The IRC expander of the DENOISER ............................................................................................. 13
2.4.1 THRESHOLD control .......................................................................................................... 14
2.4.2 RELEASE control ............................................................................................................... 14
2.4.3 RATIO control ..................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.4 GAIN REDUCTION meter .................................................................................................... 14
2.5 The COUPLE function ................................................................................................................... 15
3. APPLICATIONS .....................................................................................................................15
3.1 Initial settings of the DENOISER ................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Studio applications ........................................................................................................................ 16
3.2.1 Noise reduction during playback ......................................................................................... 16
3.2.2 Noise reduction during recording ......................................................................................... 16
3.2.3 Reducing noise on subgroups, monitor and effects buses ................................................... 17
3.2.4 Noise reduction for effects devices ...................................................................................... 18
3.2.5 Noise reduction during tape duplication ............................................................................... 18
3.2.6 Noise reduction for instruments........................................................................................... 18
3.2.7 Reducing noise in P.A. systems ......................................................................................... 19
3.2.8 Noise reduction in Hi-Fi and video applications.................................................................... 19
4. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND .............................................................................................. 20
4.1 What are audio dynamics? ........................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Compressors/limiters .................................................................................................................... 21
4.3 Expanders/noise gates ................................................................................................................. 21
4.4 Downward expansion .................................................................................................................... 22
4.5 Noise as physical phenomenon ..................................................................................................... 22
4.6 Companders ................................................................................................................................. 22
4.7 The single-ended principle ........................................................................................................... 23
5. INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................... 23
5.1 Rack mounting .............................................................................................................................. 23
5.2 Audio connections ........................................................................................................................ 23
6. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 24
7. WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................... 26
5
DENOISER SNR2000
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the BEHRINGER
DENOISER SNR2000.
Electrical noise is still one of the most unpleasant problems in the field of electro-acoustics. The basic noise
produced by a single unit is not considered to be annoying. The combination of several instruments, effects
devices and tape machines, however, results in a drastic increase in noise level. This requires the use of a
noise reduction system.
Conventional noise reduction systems
Conventional noise reduction systems often suffer from several perceivable drawbacks: either the noise
reduction process deteriorates the signal by cutting the high-frequency portions, or the dynamic filter reacts
too slowly, which makes percussive signals lose its bite. Last but not least, there are systems which
function as simple noise gates and produce unnatural on/off effects.
The interactive technology of the DENOISER
With the DENOISER we offer one of the most efficient noise reduction systems using single-ended technology.
BEHRINGERs unique filter circuitry in conjunction with the new built-in BEHRINGER audio detectors
represents a technical breakthrough in the field of noise reduction systems. Effective noise reduction with
minimal signal interference is the result.
The noise reduction capabilities of the BEHRINGER DENOISER are based on bandwidth limiting by means
of a dynamic low-pass filter and broadband noise reduction during music pauses by a downward expander.
The need for both a professional and all-purpose noise reduction system was the basis for the development of
the BEHRINGER DENOISER. Many years of experience in the field of noise reduction technology enabled us
to design a system particularly suited to the highest demands.
The TAC (Transient Attack Control) circuitry, a new BEHRINGER development, opens the filter even when
processing percussive material, without e.g. cutting a drums kick.
A newly developed IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander has been integrated into the DENOISER. The
ratio of which is automatically adjusted, dependent on the program material. The result is an expander which
can be adjusted without deteriorating your audio. Furthermore, the expander is more tolerant of those signals
which appear slightly above the background noise.
DENOISERthe professional noise reduction system
The BEHRINGER DENOISER proves to be an excellent tool for the professional sound engineer. Furthermore,
the extensive control features provide specific and successful processing of all sortes of program material.
The unit can be used in broadcasting and TV, professional studios, CD mastering studios and for P.A. and
intercom systems etc. It is useful for cleaning up studio tracks, tape duplications, motion picture sound
tracks, during mixdown, and more.
Be it noise reduction for instruments (guitars, keyboards, etc.) or for effects devices (flangers, distortion units,
phasers, chorus units, digital delays, compressors, equalizers, pedal board devices, analog delays, psychoacoustic effects units, pitch shifters, etc.) the BEHRINGER DENOISER is the no-compromise answer when
the situation demands a no-compromise solution.
+ This manual first describes the terminology used, so that you can fully understand the SNR2000
and its functions. Please read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference.
1.1 The design concept
The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and employs the
best choice of components. The operational amplifiers which are used in the DENOISER are exceptional. They
boast extreme linearity and very low distortion characteristics. To complement this design the choice of
components includes high tolerance resistors and capacitors, detented potentiometers and several other
stringently selected elements.
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1. INTRODUCTION
DENOISER SNR2000
1.2 Before you begin
Your DENOISER was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging is designed to protect the unit from
rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its contents for
any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred during transit.
+ If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to BEHRINGER, but notify your dealer and the
shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
The BEHRINGER DENOISER fits into one standard 19" rack unit (1 3/4"). Please allow at least an additional
4" depth for the connectors on the back panel.
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and please do not place the DENOISER on high
temperature devices such as power amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.
+ Before you connect your DENOISER to the mains, please make sure that your local voltage
matches the voltage required by the unit:
The fuse holder on the female mains connector has 3 triangular markings, with two of these triangles
opposing each other. The DENOISER is set to the operating voltage printed next to these markers and can be
set to another voltage by turning the fuse holder by 180°. CAUTION: This instruction does not apply to
export models exclusively designed, e.g. for 115-V operation!
The mains connection of the DENOISER is made by using the enclosed mains cable and a standard IEC
receptacle. It meets all of the international safety certification requirements.
+ Please make sure that all units have a proper ground connection. For your own safety, never
remove or disable the ground conductor of the unit or of the AC power cable.
As standard, the BEHRINGER DENOISER features electronically servo-balanced inputs and outputs.
The circuit design features automatic hum rejection for balanced signals, permitting trouble-free operation
even at highest operating levels. Externally induced power-line hum, etc. is thus suppressed effectively. The
automatic servo function recognizes the presence of unbalanced connectors and adjusts the nominal level
internally to avoid level differences between the input and output signals (6dB correction).
You will find additional information in chapter 5 INSTALLATION.
1.3 Control elements
Fig. 1.1: Front panel of the DENOISER
The BEHRINGER DENOISER features two identical channels. Each channel is equipped with four push button
switches, six rotary controls and 16 LEDs. The COUPLE switch is for stereo tracking.
1. INTRODUCTION
7
DENOISER SNR2000
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1.3.1 Front panel
Fig. 1.2: Front panel control elements
The IN/OUT switch activates the relay and, consequently, the corresponding channel. The unit is
bypassed when the switch is not depressed.
By depressing the COUPLE switch you will tie channel 1 and 2 together for stereo tracking.
+ If using the COUPLE switch, it is recommended that all controls be set identically on both
channels to ensure proper tracking.
The EXPANDER IN/OUT switch activates the expander section.
Use the THRESHOLD control to set the threshold at which low level downward expansion starts. Once
the signal falls below this threshold, the amount of expansion increases as the signal level decreases.
The RELEASE control allows to adjust the desired release time of the expander section.
Use the RATIO control to adjust the ratio of the downward expansion. Low ratios, from 1.2:1 to about
3:1 produce a more or less slight downward expansion. When, however, the ratio is set to 6:1, the
DENOISER functions as noise gate.
This eight-segment GAIN REDUCTION meter indicates the amount of expansion.
The FILTER IN/OUT switch activates the filter section.
The SENSITIVITY control allows you to set the operating level of the dynamic filter relative to the level
of the input signal.
The RELEASE control allows to adjust the desired release time of the filter.
The CUT OFF control allows to adjust the filter -3 dB point. Thus, the filter can be adapted perfectly to
various noise conditions.
By depressing the AUTO switch, the RELEASE and CUT OFF controls are deactivated. Thus, release
time and corner frequency of the filter are automatically derived from the input signal.
This eight-segment FREQUENCY meter indicates the bandwidth of the filter.
1.3.2 Rear panel
Fig. 1.3: Rear panel connectors
SERIAL NUMBER. Please take the time to complete and return the warranty card within 14 days of the
date of purchase, otherwise you will lose the right to the extended warranty. Or just use our onlineregistration (www.behringer.com).
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1. INTRODUCTION
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